Introduction

‘Everyone should know how to program a computer, because it teaches you how to think’,

Steve Jobs

A high-quality computing education equips students to understand and change the world through lateral thinking and creativity together with their experiences with mathematics, science, and DT. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information, computational thinking, programming and how digital systems work. Computing equips pupils to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of media that is highly sought after by industry. At Quintin Kynaston, we want our students to become digitally literate which means that they are highly competent in the use of technology, and express themselves at a level suitable in a digital world.

  

  

Current developments

Computing is an exciting subject with increased popularity at key stages 4 and 5. The computing curriculum gives students a lot of confidence as they engage in problem solving and develop their critical thinking skills. Our students gain a deep understanding in how computers work through our range of projects including, app and web design, games programming, data representation. At Key Stage 3, students will have the opportunity to express themselves using digital technology including a critical understanding of the impact technology has on individuals and society. We believe that every child should access the computing curriculum and for that we provide our students with all the resources to help them to pursue their interest in the subject to a high level with our state of the art computer suites.

Years 8 and 9

Note that year 7 information for each subject is available here.

In year 8 and 9 students continue to develop their knowledge of Computing building upon the foundations of Year 7.

Students will have opportunities to further develop their programming skills as well as looking at key aspects of Computer Science theory such as Computer Architecture and data representation. As well as the Computing aspects students will also have further opportunities to develop their Digital literacy. Students will experience a very practical subject as well as learning a vast range of theory as they build towards being GCSE ready.

At the end of each term students will be assessed on their understanding of theory covered and their ability to apply programming skills to given tasks.

 

Enrichment and Extra-curricular

The Computing department offers all students the join our extremely popular Coding Club. The Coding Club is aimed at all students who are keen to learn how to code Student get the opportunity to learn new skills and develop their computational thinking skills. The head of department, an experienced computer programmer provides structured and fun projects which includes creating animations, games, websites and much more. Our students build up their programming skills with each project. Our young gifted members have the opportunity to become Digital Leaders who work in small teams and lead on larger projects including robotics and engineering.